Local business and consumer news. Openings, closings, deals, sales, what to buy and where to buy it, we round it all up and give you an insider's shopper's special on small business in Halifax. Contact shoptalk@thecoast.ca to send a tip.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Openings Flo brings peace, love and meditation to downtown Halifax
A new studio on Argyle wants to provide balance to suits and servers alike
Posted By Danielle McCreadie on Thu, Aug 16, 2018 at 11:40 AM
In the heart of the bustle of downtown Halifax, you can find a peace, quiet and serenity—if you know where to look. That place is called Flo, a newly opened modern meditation studio. (1574 Argyle Street, suite 14). Take a step inside, and find your breath.
Owners Autumn Grant and Jonathan Dododza named the studio after their baby girl, Florence. The family moved to Halifax from Vancouver in June and jumped in feet first, opening the studio a month-and-a-half later.
“Leaving home is never easy but it was serendipitous in a way where it gave me a chance to play with an open canvas in a transitioning city,” says Dododza.
“We feel that there is definitely a shift happening in the province,” says Grant, a Nova Scotia native. “It’s new, exciting, it feels really fresh, there’s a lot of things happening and we wanted to be a part of that movement.”
The couple is big on community and collaboration and wanted to create a space that reflected those values. Their space is full of locally curated art and products. Their teachers are local too, each bringing a different set of skills to the studio.
There is a magic to Flo, explains Dododza. There is no judgement—you can believe in what you want, wear what you want. Their hope is to make meditation less intimidating so people can experience its benefits. They want people to see it “
“You can't really control serendipity,” says Dododza. “We've been putting out this energy and this vibe and it’s just been coming all right back.”
Grant couldn’t agree more. “It just really makes us feel like we're doing the right thing at the right time.”
Fashion Halifax street style: Ochterloney Street
Scouring the streets for the city's most fashionable
Posted By Meghan Tansey Whitton on Thu, Aug 16, 2018 at 11:27 AM
Name: Logan Hawkes
Age: 31
Occupation: Barber/co-owner at Lucky Cat Barbershop
Spotted: Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth
Wearing: Real Tree x Lucky Cat shop tee, Stan Ray painter pants, Thrasher x Vans slip-ons from Pro Skates, vintage Seiko watch
How would you describe your style?
The culmination of years of trial and error.
Who/where do you derive inspiration from when putting together an outfit?
It's really just an expression of how I'm feeling on any given day. I tried a personal uniform once, I think I lasted three days.
How does living in Halifax affect your fashion choices?
I'm surrounded by such a supportive community, and that makes me feel free to dress how I want.
Name a current trend that you just can't get on board with?
I had a kid tell me recently that he liked his t-shirt because the logo meant that everyone knew it was expensive. Are you wearing the clothes, or are the clothes wearing you, man?
Favourite local shop?
RCHMND and Pro Skates.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Openings Sarah & Tom accessorizes a growing Halifax with Asian pop culture
The indie gift store chain has Nova Scotian roots, but no local outlet until now.
Posted By Chris Muise on Wed, Aug 8, 2018 at 2:19 PM
If you’re on the hunt for a giant plush Pikachu, some colourful notebook stickers and a giant tube of wasabi that dispenses toilet paper...well, you’ve got some odd-yet-specific tastes. But good news for you! There’s a charming new shop in town that has you covered.
The doors of Sarah & Tom have only been open at its new 6448 Quinpool Road location for a month, but already it’s enjoying a great deal of business for a shop with such an esoteric catalogue of goods. “We have some slow periods, but most of the time it’s, like, super steady,” says Melanie Smith, one of the shop’s main staffers. “Saturdays are super busy.”
Smith says it can be hard to pin down in words exactly what Sarah & Tom deals in. “The consensus we’ve come up with is ‘Asian pop culture.’ We have a little bit of Korea, a little bit of Japan. We’re the first place in the Maritimes to sell K-Pop.”
Sarah & Tom, named for the married owners Sarah
“We knew we wanted to open a shop,” says
think.”
The pair opened their first shop in Toronto in 2012, and since have expanded to a second Toronto location and a spot in Montreal. But as their family grew,
“I just wanted to be back on the east coast, be close to family,” she says. “We decided, ‘you know what, let’s try Halifax. Customers have been asking for it.’”
“Our Facebook page is just lit up all the time,” says Smith. “Tons of likes and comments and everything.”
“I like how we can buy these materials here,” says Siyoon Kim, a customer who brought her sister to check out the shop. “Nice to see that it’s getting more multicultural.”
Girl on the Moon makes a splash
Alison Durning blends unique fashion and practicality with her handmade swimwear
Posted By Danielle McCreadie on Wed, Aug 8, 2018 at 2:01 PM
Alison
Perfect for any kind of summer day—you might end up on the beach, or you might not. Wear them under a shirt, or in the water, they’ll hold up just fine. Under the label Girl on the Moon, Durning sells the bikinis mainly online, but now that she’s back in Halifax after a stint abroad, she is developing an offline retail presence.
“I started two years ago, more just because I wanted a hobby,” says Durning. “I was working full time and just wanted something to do after work and in my spare time, and then I ended up with 10 bikinis and thought ‘I need to make these for other people!’ So I opened an Etsy shop and that’s where it all started.”
Durning studied fashion at Humber College in Toronto, so she’s always had a passion for making her own clothes. “I think about fit more than anything,” she says, “especially with a bikini because I want it to be comfortable, and to cover everything you want it to cover.”
After working in a “fast fashion industry” while abroad, Durning likes to make sure her products are as sustainable as possible, staying away from “cheap, horrible fabrics.” She spends a lot of time and effort sourcing her own
“Taking textiles that have a cultural importance and can provide a living for people who otherwise aren’t earning from what they’re making, that’s how I’m hoping to grow my business,” she says.
But it’s more than just a business for Durning, it’s therapeutic. “I love sitting and crocheting. It really doesn’t feel like work, it’s so relaxing! I think a lot of people feel that way about making things with their hands, whether that’s crocheting or knitting or embroidery, it’s nice to sit and just make
something.”
You can catch Durning’s work on her Instagram, or connect with her in person at the Maritime Makers event Saturday, September 22 at the Cunard Centre. And to get in the swim right away, a selection of Girl on the Moon creations can also be found at
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
SHOP THIS: Little Queen Handmade
Macrame all day
Posted By Allison Saunders on Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 4:57 PM
Melanie Titus' first foray into macrame was an experiment. A portrait photographer and interior decor junkie, she taught herself how to tie the throwback knots for a photoset just over a year ago. "It started out as 'I want to try this and see if I can do it and I realized that I kind of think of it as a self-care thing. It's pretty meditative," she says. "It's done a lot for me personally, I get artistic fulfilment I wasn't getting any more from photography." She had no intention of selling her work until people started asking.
And so Little Queen Handmade—and its 'nostalgic wall art and plant hangers'—was born. Titus has been making her rounds in the craft show world (next up will be September's Maritime Makers) but mostly sells her work—like the pictured Nina plant hanger, $40—via her website, littlequeenhandmade.com, for now. She hopes to make her way into some local shops this fall. "The thing about photographs is we're so inundated with them. You scroll through things and people barely pay attention to an image," she says. "I wanted to create something a little more lasting."
Axe marks the spot for HaliMac
Posted By Allison Saunders on Wed, Jul 25, 2018 at 4:53 PM
Adrian Beaton always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but it wasn't until he and his family went axe throwing that his dream business plan came together. "I took it to my cousin Paul MacInnis, he was my first investor, and away we went," he says. "And it kind of just exploded." It was 2016 when the first HaliMac Axe Throwing location opened on a shoe string budget in St. John's, where Beaton currently lives, and it wasn't long after that the two Halifax natives opened a second location in Kentville. The next project? Opening their third lounge at 1920 Brunswick Street, right next door to 2 Crows Brewing Co. "It's almost our year anniversary and it has snowballed really really quickly. I opened it on a work term when I was doing industrial engineering technology, planning on massive growth ever since," says Beaton, who adds a Halifax location will be the icing on the cake. A place for "culture badasses," HaliMac will celebrate not just axe throwing, but art, craft beer and charity, too. "Every new location just gives us opportunity to improve ourselves," he adds, and Brunswick Street will be a more refined version of the first two locations. The six-lane set up will welcome not just large groups, but solo throwers too—HaliMac will charge per-person, not per-lane. "We operate in a pool hall or bowling alley fashion. You can come on your own, or with two. It really allows people to get exposed to the sport. We're building our own culture and our own community." Beaton says his aim is to open sometime in November, and it sounds like he's got some serious bullseye potential.
Monday, July 23, 2018
Long Lake Adventure Company launches
Let's go paddling
Posted By Allison Saunders on Mon, Jul 23, 2018 at 1:18 PM
As of last
"My sister and I have been paddling recreationally on the Northwest Arm for years and absolutely love it. I was familiar with Long Lake as my dad was involved with the recent development of the lake trail and the boat launch," says Sarah Polley whose father is
From now until the end of the summer, swing by for both kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals (with kid’s and adult’s sizes available) ranging from one-hour stints to full-day excursions. How’s that for a humidex antidote? Book your gear online for discounts, or show up on a whim and hope for the best.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Elwood Pens is bringing the write stuff
Posted By Allison Saunders on Thu, Jul 19, 2018 at 5:13 AM
Dylan Thompson-Mackay was in high school when he got his first taste of entrepreneurship—even though he didn’t really know it at the time. It was thanks to a pen he’d innocently made in
“A banker from Toronto tried to buy it for $50,” says Thompson-Mackay of his school project, something all the kids in his class had been tasked with making. “By the end of his round of
It wasn’t a straight and simple route that landed the young maker in the
“Then I went to NSCC for business and kept hearing the word entrepreneur over and over again,” says Thompson-Mackay. “I’m from Pictou County and pretty much everyone and their dog works at Michelin or the pulp mill and I didn’t really have an understanding that you could start your own business.”
Now he’s launched Elwood Pens, named for his grandfather, a man who struggled with addictions before righting his course. The business has grown from Thompson-Mackay making wooden pens in his uncle’s garage (and then in a 70-square-foot shed) to a retail space and workshop at 1574 Argyle Street that celebrated its grand opening this week. His aim is to make top-quality, handmade, personalized gifts for tourists and locals alike, and to operate as a social enterprise, with five
“The tagline is ‘Write your own story’”, he says. “I want to inspire others to create their own narrative.”
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Bailly Perfume smells like good spirits
Ariel Gough and Edwina Govindsamy are aiming to innovate with Bailly Perfume Oils, a vegan, cruelty-free line of coconut oil-based signature scents.
Posted By Morgan Mullin on Thu, Jul 12, 2018 at 4:00 AM
When Ariel Gough and Edwina Govindsamy first met—on a friend date set up by Gough’s mom—there was good energy right away. “I think the first time that we met for coffee at Starbucks, we just clicked and knew that we wanted to start something together. It took us awhile to figure out what that was,” Gough says. Govindsamy agrees.
As they settled seamlessly into a close friendship, the duo began daydreaming of what their side-hustle could be in this #girlboss age. “I remember we wanted to do headphones. It was very random, but I remember us thinking ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be great to go into a coffee shop or Starbucks and just grab headphones?’ But then we realized it wasn’t very innovative,” Gough recalls. “The other one was wireless charging, but we realized we’d be going up against tech giants like Apple. We also thought about coffee mugs and then Korean beauty products,” Govindsamy adds. When the pals realized that perfume was a vital part of both of their beauty routines, an idea took root: A line of high-end, roll-on, coconut-oil based fragrances that were easy, feminine and wearable—titled Bailly Perfume Oils.
“When we started out, we didn’t know anything about perfumes, we’re not perfumers at all,” Gough says, adding they cycled through dozens of suppliers and perfumers (the scent wizards who concoct a perfume recipe) before finding a match as seamless as their friendship. “Initially we found out the difference between a perfume and an
“Right now, in Sephora, there are no perfume oils on the shelf—maybe one by Elizabeth and James,” Govindsamy adds. Their debut scent, called Brilliance, fills a void with an offering of black currant, patchouli, vanilla and pear notes, delivered in a coconut oil base that’s vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free. “We basically went to Sephora and Shoppers and smelled everything that they had and made a list of the types of scents we liked—we like sweet and gourmand scents and something a little fruity—and we’d go to the perfumer and tell them what we liked and they’d then do the mixtures and send back samples,” Govindsamy says. The scent will be available for purchase later this month, you can check their website,
“We were inspired by women like us—women who are into fashion and beauty, are ambitious and goal-oriented but also socially conscious and want to help create a better world. And, from there, we thought a perfume oil would be a great way to connect with these women. The roll-on bottle is something they can carry with them all the time, reminding
“I think with any scent there’s an aromatherapy aspect to
GUIDED TOUR SPONSORED CONTENT Guided Tour - Downtown Halifax
Halifax’s centre may be a political and business capital, but it’s also an inviting place for the rest of us, with great boutiques and unforgettable eating to discover.
Posted on Thu, Jul 12, 2018 at 4:00 AM
The crisp white walls house everything you've needed to say but have never had the words for before now. Whether you're from the East Coast or beyond, the cards at Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique are relatable but with a quirky, you-never-would-have-thought-of-it-yourself, twist.
If you're a Haligonian, you'll recognize Inkwell by its 97-year-old working press which creates their Inkwell Originals. Out of towners: It's a must-see while you're visiting the area, and trust us, you'll be taking home a true Maritime souvenir. Inkwell carries a variety of over 200 independent artisans originating in Nova Scotia along with further corners of Canada as well as around the globe.
Now with their addition of pantry food items, you can pair your card design with a treat for the special occasion or just some authentic Canadian maple syrup for yourself. Inkwell Originals' unique flair is expanding into other sectors of Halifax, and in other cities as far away Ottawa and Vermont. But even with this growing list, they never lose their neighbourhood feel.
Inkwell Modern Handmade Boutique, 2011 Brunswick StreetOcean has so much to see
Friends and frames—isn't that all we ever need? The Ocean Optometry team started with a desire to work alongside their friends, and together they combined their knowledge to bring us the best (and most fashionable) care.
We've entrusted our friends at Ocean Optometry to always tell us what's in style, and recently they've incorporated a new collection from LA-based designer Blake Kuwahara. His frames take heartbreakingly chic to a new level with his subtly obvious edge. You'll want to show off their sleek simplicity the second you walk out their door.
At Ocean Optometry, they teeter the border between art and science with their fashion-forward angle to eye care. But who says you can't be both? In their care, you can have your cake and be able to see it, too.
Now it's easier than ever to book an appointment live directly online—connect at oceanoptometry.ca—and they make visiting them a breeze with new complimentary parking nearby. (Yes, you are reading that correctly: Ocean offers complimentary parking downtown.)
Ocean Optometry, 5240 Blowers StreetCarb overload
Strawberry buns, salted-caramel brownie cheesecake or coconut cream pie eclairs: It's not a satisfying morning until you've picked up your treat from The Old Apothecary Bakery & Cafe.
The sugar high is just the frosting on the cake that is the decadent baked goods, but the real kick is that everything is made fresh in-house. No need to feel guilty—it's all fresh ingredients in these pastries. Dine in or take it on the go—the products travel well and make for a great walk-to-work snack.
Their savoury is just as tempting as the sweet, especially when we're talking breakfast biscuits topped with homemade mayo and micro greens. Can't you already taste that flaky goodness? The Old Apothecary is a carb-lover's dream come true. With the smell of freshly baked bread filling the air, you won't be able to resist taking some home for the whole family.
The Old Apothecary Bakery & Cafe, 1549 Barrington StreetThe best of country
Where can you go for an equally delicious breakfast or a fine whiskey sour? Only at Ruby's Rhinestone Reception & Lounge can you experience a little country flair in the HRM.
Breakfast at Ruby's means southern buttermilk breakfast biscuits, and lunch is begging you to try their tender fried chicken. Ruby's chefs are always experimenting and refining versions of classic homestyle foods. They take a little bit of history and bring it to 2018, even their atmosphere brings you back to the 1920s, right down to the historic building.
Their bar is built around a massive bank vault where you can put your elbows up and choose between the finest whiskies Halifax has to offer. Whether it's a ladies' night out or your next date night, come hungry or come for the joy of country music. Ruby's has live music every Friday and Saturday, and the best of country every other night.
Ruby's Rhinestone Reception & Lounge, 5187 Salter Street
Taste the quality
Looking at their menu, you'll only read the best natural ingredients. And speaking with the staff, you'll only receive the best service. At Verano Food Purveyors, they take pride in offering the premium on all fronts. With quality this good, you can taste it the minute you walk through the doors.
You can experience a different food journey each time you visit, and still the taste never wavers. Their authentic blend of Venezuelan and Mexican flavours will make your mouth water. Between the arepa with chicken, Cuban sandwich,or handmade soups, you can go in at any time of the day and leave satisfied (and wanting to come back for multiple meals).
Verano's commitment to their customers is "a smile with every bite" and it's hard to decide which makes you smile more: The food or the service. Their staff is some of the best in the HRM, constantly serving downtown wanderers with pleasure and, of course, a smile.
Verano Food Purveyors, 1871 Hollis Street
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Petite Urban Pooch marks its territory on Agricola Street
Posted By Allison Saunders on Thu, Jun 28, 2018 at 5:09 PM
With phase one of the move complete, owner Cindy James says she wants to focus on the dog-sitting side of the business for the next month before launching PUP’s dog lounge near the end of July. The service will be brand new for James, offering bookings in one-hour increments for humans and their little dogs (perfect for socializing puppies who don’t necessarily need a sitter) or just dog-loving humans who want to play with a bunch of fur-babies.
“It was born out of the fact Nikki and I are in here with the dogs 10 to 11 hours a day and it’s just a blast—it’s too good not to share,” says James of the stress-busting elements of her job. “We thought, how can we give people access who don’t own dogs, or have dogs that don’t need 10 hours of daycare?”
When the lounge gets going it’ll also offer a small seating area for owners to swing by with their fur friends. Here, there’ll be a space to hang out and retail counter offering up handmade treats (in the shape of donairs, tacos and pizza) from Littlest Pet Bakery as well as dog beer—a bone broth based elixir that’s all-natural goodness James says her clientele loves
Keep an eye on PUP’s Facebook for updates.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Forest Child Natural Beauty grows up
Its mini-shop and studio open July 7
Posted By Allison Saunders on Thu, Jun 21, 2018 at 1:00 AM
After making 2017 the year of planning, 2018 is the year of doing for Olivia McMackin, founder of Forest Child Natural Beauty which brings high-performance makeup, skincare and hair brands to the east coast.
“I decided to let it be a little whatever it wants to be. Let’s see how it goes and what people want, let’s see how I can best serve my customers,” says McMackin, who launched the brand in November. “The more I’ve been working with people I’ve learned the experience of one-on-one consultation is kind of like the best situation, the best experience.”
On July 7, Forest Child—which has mainly been operating online, with some pop-ups here and there—will open a brick-and-mortar location at 1094 Bedford Highway, an at-home venture that will serve as both a studio and mini-shop. There, prospective customers can book consultations (solo or in a group setting) or keep an eye open for drop-in hours for shopping.
“It’s a time for the customer to come to me with any concerns they may have in terms of skin condition, or if they’re looking for something specific they can ask questions and try things,” says McMackin of the 45-minute consultations. “Whether it’s makeup or skin and body care, they can come to me and get any info they may need, I can make recommendations and we can find the best product for them.”
McMackin hopes her mini-shop will offer a better experience for people hesitant to order makeup or skin products online and that it’ll allow her the freedom to keep re-evaluating her model over time. You can book appointments with her at forestchild.ca, which is also where she’ll post drop-in hours for intrigued shoppers.
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Flaunt Salon is moving July 1
The Windsor Street salon is headed to Spring Garden Road
Posted By Allison Saunders on Wed, Jun 20, 2018 at 5:48 PM
That wasn’t accurate.
Regulars and lovers of the salon can rest easy, as longtime Flaunt employee and master stylist/colourist Michael Hinchey has taken over ownership of the brand. The Windsor Street location of the salon will remain open until July 1, after which time Hinchey and the Flaunt name will relocate and continue to operate out of downtown's AQC Salon (5954 Spring Garden Road). You can still book appointments with him online or by phone.
"Everything for except number of employees will stay the same. Because the salon has such a great reputation in the city I wanted to make sure that people who are looking for us will still be taken care of," says Hinchey of his motivation to take over Flaunt. "We didn’t want people to call and be disappointed."
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Openings Jill Stephenson Esthetics opens on Agricola Street
"It's definitely not a spa"
Posted By Allison Saunders on Tue, Jun 12, 2018 at 3:10 PM
The restructuring of Flaunt Salon (2166 Windsor Street) helped master esthetician Jill Stephenson make some big moves, quickly. After looking around for a new home to offer her services from, she jumped on the chance to open her own spot instead.
“I have been working in Halifax for 10 years, it just seemed like the right time,” says Stephenson who opened Jill Stephenson Makeup Artistry and Esthetics last week at 2459 Agricola Street. “I wanted to create a special kind of calm, but fun, place. I’m a pretty fun, open, liberal kind of person and I really do like to connect with my clients,” she says of her opportunity to fly solo.
For now, she’s offering manicures and pedicures, waxing, threading, facials and lash extensions—as well as wedding and special occasion makeup—welcomes walk-ins, and promises chill, personal vibes. “It’s definitely not a spa,” says Stephenson. “I kind of feel like it’s my living room.”
[Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said Flaunt would be closing. That was inaccurate, see clarification here.]
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Halifax street style: Musquodoboit Harbour
Scouring the streets for the city's most stylish
Posted By Meghan Tansey Whitton on Thu, Jun 7, 2018 at 7:09 AM
Name: Anna Sprague
Age: 43
Spotted: Paces Lake, Musquodoboit Harbour
Occupation: Artist and faculty member at NSCAD University
Wearing: Kids overalls, Value Village; nylon shell, Zara basics; white cashmere turtleneck, Ann Taylor (via Value Village); vintage wooden clogs
How would you describe your style?
Jesus Christ Superstar moonlighting as an amateur carpenter.
Who/where do you derive inspiration from when putting together an outfit?
I would like to say it's a Coco Chanel and Alexa Chung puree—but it is probably more like a crock pot stew of late ’80s camp counsellor, Princess Leia, Jo Polniaczek, Scout Finch—with a dash of Northern Exposure’s Maggie O’Connell and Madonna to garnish.
I love clothing that is versatile, made of quality natural materials, not easily wrinkled or stained and doesn’t show dog hair. Clothing is like a costume for me, the minute I put on certain items, I begin to inhabit a character. I like to mix and match high contrasting fabrics, patterns and fits and I never shy away from wearing whatever makes me feel the most at ease—even if it is completely inappropriate for the situation.
I dislike fussy things, so nothing that I have to keep adjusting. I often find myself drawn to clothing that is atypical for my age, but honestly zero shits are given at this point. I like what I like and I’m fine with that.
How does living in Halifax affect your fashion choices?
It does not.
Name a current trend that you just can’t get on board with?
Ironic oversized silicone phone cases and black chunky-heeled vinyl shoes.
Favourite local shop?
Woodside Value Village.
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